Merritt Backyard Ultra 2026

The Merritt Backyard Ultra is a unique endurance challenge and community-driven initiative organized as a CAPRA project by the Merritt RCMP. Scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, the event is held at 2999 Voght St in Merritt, British Columbia. The race follows the traditional "backyard ultra" format, where participants must complete a specific distance within a one-hour window to remain in the competition. All proceeds from the event are donated to Cops for Kids, a foundation dedicated to assisting children in medical, physical, or traumatic crises.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• -- The Loop Rules: For both individual and team categories, runners must complete the 6.7 km loop and return to the starting area before the end of the hour. A new loop begins exactly at the top of every hour.
• -- Individual Victory: The race continues until only one runner remains. To be declared the winner, the final participant must successfully complete one solo loop after all other competitors have dropped out.
• -- Team Strategy: Only one team member runs per loop. As long as the designated runner finishes within the hour, the team remains eligible. Teams are capped at a 24-hour total duration.
• -- Community Mission: Organizer David Coulombe, a constable with the Merritt RCMP, established the event to promote resilience and community balance while supporting the Cops for Kids charity.
• -- Registration: Participants can sign up as solo runners or as part of a team. Team captains are responsible for creating the team and covering the initial fees before members join the roster.
• -- Support and Recovery: Any time remaining in the hour after completing a loop can be used by the runner for resting, refueling, and preparation for the next start whistle.
• -- Contact: For more information regarding the course terrain or the Cops for Kids foundation, the event contact is David Coulombe.

The Merritt Backyard Ultra offers a grueling test of stamina and mental fortitude, bringing together long-distance enthusiasts for a high-stakes challenge that benefits vulnerable children across the region.